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Play Local, the Program Opening Doors for Entrepreneurs and SMEs in the Southern Zone

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Strategic initiative aims to connect the supply of local goods and services with the demands of ARAUCO and its partner companies

One of ARAUCO's main objectives is to be an active agent in the economic and social development of the territories where it operates. That is why, over the years, it has promoted a series of programs designed to address current challenges with a focus on shared value.
Play Local is one of the initiatives the company developed alongside Fundación AcercaRedes to strengthen the local economies of the Maule, Ñuble, Biobío, and Los Ríos regions. After a year of implementation, it is already showing promising results.
"We are a fundamentally regionalist company and are committed to boosting the dynamism of the areas where we operate. We understand that businesses have a role that goes beyond their core activities—they must join the collective effort to make a real difference in people's lives and their surroundings," emphasizes Marcela Wulf, Public Affairs Submanager of ARAUCO in the Los Ríos Region.
The program includes three action areas aimed at strengthening local commerce: Buy Local, Emporium Local, and Stay Local. María José Abarca, Director of Fundación AcercaRedes in Maule, explains: "On one hand, we connect the supply of goods and services with the demands of ARAUCO and its partner companies. On the other, we support SMEs and entrepreneurs in becoming part of the company's supply chain. We also encourage and mobilize workers, contractor companies, and the community to prioritize local goods and services."
These processes also involve supporting individuals in enhancing their value proposition.
For Rodrigo Ulloa, this last point is crucial. His father founded Maestranza Famantec after retiring from ARAUCO in 1998, and in 2010, following his unexpected passing, he took over the family business—a decision he is grateful for, as it has allowed him to achieve professional milestones, such as signing his first framework contract.
"The idea is for entrepreneurs to access this type of contract because, beyond spot or occasional purchases, we want to establish more framework agreements that provide a long-term vision for the project and our affiliated entrepreneurs," said Wulf, adding that the company is now preparing to request a third contract of this kind.
Business with ARAUCO accounts for 80% of his operations, so Ulloa values the trust placed in him. "They gave me the opportunity to grow, to employ people, and to thrive. ARAUCO opened doors for me, and I responded as they expected," he said.

Results After One Year of Implementation

The program has progressed slowly but steadily. In its first year, Buy Local has engaged over 80 local entrepreneurs, with 20 integrated into quick-purchase lists and 5 tenders awarded for USD 441,000.
A clear example is the opportunity given to suppliers of purified and bottled water for the company's plants, offices, and nurseries. In Maule, Agua Bollenes is supplying the facilities in Constitución, Licantén, and Teno.
Yamil Valdés, owner of the water company, appreciated the chance to become a supplier and explained that his task is "to deliver a product that, beyond its quality, is part of a production chain where innovation in the purification process ensures a balanced, good-tasting, and safe product for human health."
The second action area—Emporium Local—has enabled local entrepreneurs and producers to bring their products to plant workers. They have also received training in productive and economic areas to acquire new tools for business growth.
Lastly, Stay Local is an initiative that developed a website showcasing various lodging establishments in all areas where ARAUCO operates.
Beyond these areas, María José Abarca highlights the training provided through Play Local, covering digital literacy and micro-business management control, among other topics.
ARAUCO aims to expand the results achieved so far and reach over 100 businesses. "In the past year, 40% of the goods and services the company acquired were provided by more than 2,800 SMEs. Our goal is to grow that number further by incorporating small neighborhood businesses, local hardware stores, and family-run ventures," said Marcela Wulf.